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8/3/2019 Syllabus Student FA08

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New Venture Creation MGT 320: Syllabus Fall 2008

Tuesdays and Thursdays Miriam Hall, Room 106

Professor: Diane M. Sullivan, Ph.D. Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday

Office location: Miriam Hall, room 702 1:00pm-2:45pm, and by appointmentPhone: 937-229-3705

Email: [email protected]: http://academic.udayton.edu/DianeSullivan

Objective

This course is intended to provide the student with the basic knowledge necessary to create new business ventures and to

innovate within existing companies. Some goals of the course include:

1. Learn decision-making tools that can help entrepreneurs identify and develop new venture opportunities

2. Learn the importance of innovation, market research, feasibility analyses, and planning for product/serviceconcepts

3. Learn the basics of formulating a business plan4. Understand how to manage a new and growing business venture

5. Understand entrepreneurship as it aligns with the Mission of the UD SBA: The School of BusinessAdministration is a learning community committed in the Marianist tradition to educating the whole person

and to connecting learning and scholarship with leadership and service in an innovative businesscurriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers in the contemporary business environment.

Text:

Barringer, B.R. and Ireland, R.D. (2008). Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures. [2nd edition]. Pearson

Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River: NJ. (ISBN: 0-13-224057-2)

Article Readings for fall 2008:

Innovation is the secret to bringing good old things some new life (2007). Wall Street Journal. January 11,

2007, B6.

Pagliarini, R. (2006). What is an elevatorpitch? American Venture Magazine, June, 31.

Grades are comprised of:

Grading Assignments Point Value Due Date

Individual Assignments

Elevator Pitch 100 September 9, 2008, Tues.

Networking Report 100 November 20, 2008, Thurs.

Exam #1 (Ch. 1-3, 5, articles, in-class material) 100 October 14, 2008, Tues.

Final Exam (Ch. 6, 9, 7, 4, articles, in-class

material)100

3:00 class, Wed., Dec. 17th from 12:20pm

2:10pm

4:30 class, Tues., Dec. 16th from 4:30pm

6:20pm

Team Assignments

Team Assignment Checkpoints (CP) 50

CP #1 (10-pts): Tues., Sept 23rd (All Teams)

CP #2 (10-pts): Thurs., Oct 16th (Teams 1 & 2)

Tues., Oct 21st (Teams 3 & 4)

CP #3 (10-pts): Thurs., Oct 20th (All Teams)

CP #4 (10-pts): Tues., Nov. 11th (Teams 3 & 4)

Thurs., Nov. 13th (Teams 1 & 2)

CP #5 (10-pts): Tues., Nov. 25th (All Teams)

Teamwork Peer Evaluation Assessment 20 Due via email by the day the team presents

Team Feasibility AnalysisPresentation 130 December 2, 2008 (Tues.): Teams 1 & 2

December 4, 2008 (Thurs.): Teams 3 & 4

Total Possible Points (individual & team): 600

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The plus/minus system will be used whereby grades will be distributed according to the following schedule:

Out of 600 Points:

Grade High Range Low RangePercentage in

CourseGPA

A = 600 564 94 100 % 4.00A- = 563 540 90 93 % 3.67

B+ = 539 522 87 89 % 3.34

B = 521 504 84 86 % 3.00

B- = 503 480 80 83 % 2.67

C+ = 479 462 77 79 % 2.34

C = 461 444 74 76 % 2.00

C- = 443 420 70 73 % 1.67

D = 419 360 60 69 % 1.00

F = 359 0 < 60 % 0.00

Performance Standard for Grading

Many of you have either already begun your transition period from being a student to a professional or you areplanning to in the near future. As such, the quality of the work you complete should be that of a professional.

The following will be used in grading your work and in assigning your final grade for the course.

A = Outstanding: A student who consistently demonstrates a nuanced understanding of material,

engages in high quality participation/preparedness, exhibits excellent team management abilities, generatesdeliverables that demonstrate superior abilities, etc.

B = Above Average: A student who consistently demonstrates above average understanding ofthe material, engages in participation demonstrating regular preparation, works well in groups, turns in

thoughtful, well-prepared, high-quality deliverables, etc. May demonstrate sporadic outstanding work.

C = Average: A student who demonstrates an understanding of the material, comes to class most

of the time and participates, is usually prepared, gets along in groups, provides a positive contribution to

team assignments, and turns in deliverables of appropriate professional quality.

D = Below Average: A student who does not fully understand the material, misses class and/orfails to participate regularly, doesnt prepare for class regularly, gets along in groups and does a fair share

but the quality may not meet group members expectations, puts deliverables together at the last minute,

etc.

F = Failure: A student who has an inadequate understanding of some or all of the material,

misses class, does not participate, does not turn in all deliverables, and/or does not complete team

assignments.

Attendance and Class Participation

Attendance, advanced preparation, active preparation and contribution are vital to your career success,

particularly within entrepreneurship. It is also vital to an effective learning environment. No set weight is

allocated to this component of the course. However, your instructor, at her discretion, will use this component

to revise your overall grade for this coursethis may raise or lower your grade. Pop quizzes may periodically

be given to help in assessing preparation.

Throughout the semester I will evaluate the adequacy your individual class participation. Evaluations will

primarily be based on the frequency and quality of your contributions to in-class discussions as well as your

contributions during in-class exercises (both individual and team-based). If individual class contributions arenot deemed adequate (e.g., if you never speak up in class) or value-adding to the class discussions and in-class

projects (e.g., your contributions must be meaningful to the topics under discussion), your overall final grade

can be increased or decreased. These evaluations will occur on an ongoing basis and a final evaluation

regarding each students semester-long participation quality will be made at the end of the semester.

A few notes on class contributions: The assessment of contribution will be based first on the

qualityand second on thequantity of your participation. Further, the extent of both attributes will be

solely determined by the instructor. While much of the focus of class discussions is the application of

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analytical frameworks/tools to guide entrepreneurial decisions, any comments adding to the classes

understanding of the issues, cases, firms, entrepreneurial topics, etc. are encouraged. Comments reflecting

thorough preparation which extend the class discussion can positively affect your grade. Conversely, off-

the-cuff and non-value adding contributions will negatively affect your grade.

What is a contribution?

Raising and answering substantive and relevant questions

Sharing relevant ideas, observations, and personal experiences Generating potential solutions

Relating/synthesizing ideas of others to increase everyones understanding of a concept

Pointing out relationships to earlier discussions

Please note that criticism of others ideas/comments without substantiverecommendations or alternatives is notconsidered a contribution

Other Policies

Electronic Devices

1. No electronic devices are to be used in the classroom (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, laptops, etc.).

2. Throughout the semester, there are certain designated in-class workshop days where a laptop may be usedin class. These days are listed on the itinerary.

Academic Integrity

1. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This is a policy that I take very seriously. If cheating,

plagiarism, or academic dishonesty of any kind occurs, the offender will be automatically dismissed from

the course with a failing grade.

2. The University Bulletin specifies what constitutes academic dishonesty, so I suggest that you read it. Forexample, beyond those types of dishonesty discussed in point one in this section, academic dishonesty also

involves enabling others to cheat. That is, if you lend an assignment to someone, and they copy it (or just

portions of it),you will receive the same penalty as they do. It doesnt matter if you tell them not to copy, if

they do so anyway, you share liability with them. If it is a group assignment, I use my judgment to decide what

to do, but everyone within the group can receive the same grade.

3. With regard to citing references that you have used within the body of your work, you must cite allsources. Anything that is cut and pasted should be included in quotes and cited in your bibliography. Do not

excessively use direct quotes, either. Be sure to paraphrase if direct quoting seems excessive. If you areunclear of what to cite or not, contact me for clarification before the assignment is due.

4. For any emails sent during the semester, I will use the Universitys Lotus Notes email system and thecorresponding email addresses for the members of the class.

Classroom Professionalism

1. Always be respectful of others in the class (professor and students); their opinions and comments.

2. Respect extends beyond the classroom. The content of any emails, group meetings, online chat meetings,etc., should be carefully thought out. Please be respectful of each other and the professor, including your

electronic transmittals. This is a formal business course and I expect you to conduct yourselves as business

people inside and outside of the classroom, including correspondence.3. The professor reserves the right to alter the syllabus, itinerary, or class assignments at any time.

4. Any behavior deemed by the professor as unprofessional, disrespectful, inappropriate, and/or rude will

result in up to a 20% reduction in your final grade.

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New Venture Creation MGT 320

Course Outline for Fall 2008

Readings and assignments are due on the day noted on this itinerary. Please come prepared to discuss the readings

assigned and with the downloaded slides from the course website. Changes can occur to maximize learning.

Class Date Day Topics Reading and Assignments Due

August 21 Thursday

*Classes Begin*

Course Introduction

Assignment Discussion

August 26 Tuesday

Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Review

Why entrepreneurship? Why now?

Who is an entrepreneur? What types of start-

ups do they found?

Chapter 1

August 28 ThursdayRecognizing Opportunities and Generating

Ideas Day #1

Article Reading: Innovation is

the secret to bringing good old things

some new life

Chapter 2

September 2 Tuesday The Art of the Elevator Pitch Article Reading Assignment(s)

Due: Author: Robert Pagliarini

September 4 Thursday

Recognizing Opportunities and Generating

Ideas Day #2

The value of networking

Chapter 2

September 9 Tuesday Elevator Pitch #1, Class selection

of team assignment businesses, and teamformation

Individual Assignment Due:

One-minute elevator pitch (100-points)

September 11 Thursday Product/Service Feasibility Analyses Day #1 Chapter 3

September 16 TuesdayProduct/Service Feasibility Analysis Day #2

Conducting Primary Research

September 18 ThursdayProduct/Service Feasibility Analysis Day #3

The case of IDEO

September 23 Tuesday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #1 (10-pts)

All Teams

September 25 Thursday

Industry, Competitor, & Market Feasibility

Analysis Day #1

Is our ventures industry attractive?

Chapter 5

September 30 Tuesday

Industry, Competitor, & Market Feasibility

Analysis Day #2

Industry Structures; Competitive

Analysis Grids

Chapter 5

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October 2 Thursday Team in-class Exercise Team in-class Exercise:

Emerging Industry New Product

Development Task

October 7 Tuesday Exam #1 Review

October 9 Thursday Mid-term Break No Class

October 14 TuesdayExam #1

(Chapters 1-3, 5, articles, in-class material) Individual Assignment: First exam

(100-points)

October 16 Thursday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #2 (10-pts)

Teams #1 and #2

October 21 Tuesday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #2 (10-pts)

Teams #3 and #4

October 23 Thursday

Organizational Feasibility Analysis Day #1 The Business Model and

Organizing the Venture to Create the Most

Value

Chapter 6

October 28 Tuesday

Organizational Feasibility Analysis Day #2

The Business Model and

Sustaining a Competitive Advantage in theMarketplace

How Firm Resources can Help to

Sustain a Competitive Advantage

Chapter 6

October 30 Thursday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #3 (10-pts)

All Teams

November 4 TuesdayOrganizational Feasibility Analysis Day #3

The Importance of the New Venture Team Chapter 9

November 6 ThursdayEthical and Legal Issues Associated with

Founding New Ventures Chapter 7

November 11 Tuesday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #4 (10-pts)

Teams #3 and #4

November 13 Thursday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #4 (10-pts)

Teams #1 and #2

November 18 TuesdayHuman Resource Management Issues for

New and Growing Ventures

November 20 Thursday The Business Plan

Chapter 4

Individual Assignment:

Networking Experience Report due (100-

points)

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November 25 Tuesday Feasibility Analysis Workshop Day Team Checkpoint #5 (10-pts)

All Teams

November 27 Thursday * Thanksgiving Break, No Classes *

December 2 Tuesday Teams #1 and #2 Feasibility

Analysis Presentation and Peer Evaluation

Day

Team Assignment: Feasibility

Analysis Presentations (130-pts) and Peer

Evaluations due (20-points)

December 4 Thursday Teams #3 and #4 Feasibility

Analysis Presentation and Peer Evaluation

Day

Team Assignment: Feasibility

Analysis Presentations (130-pts) and Peer

Evaluations due (20-points)

December 9 Tuesday *Last Day of Class* Final Exam Review

Final Exam (100-points)

(Chapters 6, 9, 7, 4, articles, and in-class material)

3:00 4:15pm class, final exam is Wednesday, December 17th

from 12:20pm-2:10pm

4:30 5:45pm class, final exam is Tuesday, December 16th from

4:30pm 6:20pm

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New Venture Management: Individual Assignments

Assignment Name: Networking Experience Report Assignment Type: Individual Assignment

Points: 100-pointsDue Date: November 20, 2008, Thursday

Overview

Each student must attend a networking event throughout the semester and submit a written report on the experience.

Specifically, each student will attend at least one business meetingsuch as a chamber of commerce function, i-Zone

event, EATT luncheon, or other networking meeting (e.g., event identified in the Dayton Business Journal,

eWomenNetwork event, etc.), and then complete a written report on the experience.

Assignment Specifics

You may attend an event as a team or in small groups, but each student is to individually practice networking with

five differentpeople this semester. None of these can be your fellow students. You will need to collect 5 different

business cards to use in your report. If you do not, then you must attend additional events until you have collected a

total of 5 business cards. Note: dont procrastinate on this; get started early in the term!

Among other avenues, you can identify a business networking event in the Dayton Business Journal or on one of the

following websites:

http://www.daytonchamber.org/

http://www.sba.udayton.edu/entrepreneur/local_entrepreneurship_links.asp

https://events.ewomennetwork.com/event/calendar.php?lid=33

http://www.daytonizone.org/

Before Attending the Event

Submit an event announcement, brochure, or email with event information to Dr. Sullivan to obtain approval to use

the event for the Networking assignment. Be sure to get my initials on the announcement or a confirmation via

email, and keep it to attach to your Networking Experience Report.

Preparation:

Obtain Business Cards It is highly suggested that you obtain your own business cards before you

attend a networking event. www.vistaprint.com (cards are free, pay S&H only).

Choose Proper Business Attire: When you register ask about the typical attire.

Know Information About the Event event purpose, location, time to arrive, parking, and cost. Ask if

there is a discount for UD students.

Know about Key People Attending the Event Do some research ahead of time.

Practice Handshake firm, use whole hand (not just fingers).

Other Preparation Tips:

Read the newspaper on the day of the event so you have something interesting to discuss. Plan What to Say develop a 30-Second Elevator Speech about yourself and why you are attending the

event. While you are likely to change what you actually say, you need to be prepared to say something

intelligent. This will also help reduce nervousness.

Remember you represent UD, the School of Business, and yourself as a business person. It is extremely

important that you are professional and polite. This is a heavy responsibility; take it seriously.

During the Event:

Name Tag: Write your name per the convention of the event. If you dont know, ask someone

Payment Receipt: Keep for tax purposes and for proof you attended this event

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http://www.daytonchamber.org/http://www.sba.udayton.edu/entrepreneur/local_entrepreneurship_links.asphttps://events.ewomennetwork.com/event/calendar.php?lid=33http://www.daytonizone.org/http://www.daytonchamber.org/http://www.sba.udayton.edu/entrepreneur/local_entrepreneurship_links.asphttps://events.ewomennetwork.com/event/calendar.php?lid=33http://www.daytonizone.org/


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Be aware of your personal safety just as you would be at any other organizational meeting

After the Event:

Thank all sponsors and send thank you notes to event leaders - call, email, or send note.

Write a report between 5 and 10 pages (double-spaced) in length that uses the content outline below.

Written Report Outline

Please follow the outline below for your report. Use the outline to organize the contents of your paper. Be sure to

use class terminology (e.g., specifically networking concepts) as you describe your experience.

1. Include a cover sheet2. Provide a brief description of the event (e.g.,event name, date, time, and location ofevent, why you chose to attend this event, advertised price, and the price you actually paid, etc.)

3. ElevatorSpeech

What did you plan to say? Include your prepared ice-breaker speech in the content of your paper.

What did you actually end up saying? Be specific and include excerpts from conversations.

4. What Was Most Difficult

Discuss concerns you had before the event and what was difficult once you arrived.

5. What Was Easier Than You Expected

Discuss what went better than you thought and if you had any pleasant surprises.

6. Information, Leads, and Referrals Obtained

Describe any important information you obtained as a result of attending the event (e.g., career,

internship opportunities, research about your teams business, etc.).

7. Importance of Networking

Ask some of the attendees at the event(s) what networking as meant to them and what a

good network looks like for them (e.g., what would theiridealnetwork look likeof whom would it be

composed?).

Ask for specific examples of if and how networking has helped them (both formal networking

at networking events and informal networking with friends and family). Discuss what you thought of networking before the event and what you think after the event.

Discuss what role you expect networking to play in your career.

8. Appendices All of these documents must be included. .

Copy of event approval with Dr. Sullivans initials/email confirmation

Photocopy ofat least5 business cards you received from at least 5 business people.

Format and Cautions

Use 12-point Times New Roman font

Double space your work

Text should be printed on only one side of the paper

Use headings corresponding to the above outlined sections (e.g., description of event, elevatorspeech, etc.)

Insert page numbers within your paper

Staple your paper and the supporting documents together

Write in complete sentences

Be cautious of your writing skills. Your writing skills must be suitable for your report to be

submitted to a lender or investor. Proofread your paper to ensure there are no problems with your writing

skills.

Papers are due at the beginning of the class period. Late papers will NOT be accepted.

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Compare your content and format with the instructions. Points can be lost for not following

directions.

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Assignment Name: Elevator Pitch #1Assignment Type: Individual Assignment

Points: 100-pointsDue Date: September 9, 2008, Tuesday

For this assignment, identify an opportunity for a new venture and conduct a one-minute elevator pitch of that

venture in front of the class. The business must be a for-profit business and can be a salary-substitute or a growth-oriented business. The new venture elevator pitches conducted by the class are very important as up to five of

them will become the topic of your group feasibility projects. Consequently, carefully consider and prepare

these presentations. After everyone in class has completed the elevator pitches, members of the class will vote and

select up to four that seem the most promising upon initial inspection. Teams will then be formed around the

selected business opportunities.

Written Portion (70-points)

In addition the assignment requires a detailed written description of the business opportunity that includes: 1) the

verbal elevator pitch, and 2) a written justification of how the opportunity meets the five criteria of an opportunity.The written document must include the following:

1. Include a cover sheet.2. The content of the actual elevator pitch conducted in front of the class.

3. A description of how this opportunity meets the following five criteria of an opportunity, as discussed in class:

1. Attractive (What makes this venture good for an entrepreneur to start? What value does theentrepreneur/ investor(s) extract from the opportunity?)

2. Durable (How is the business opportunity competitively sustainablenot easily imitated bycompetitors, unique in some way(s) that allows for a competitive advantage?)

3. Timely (e.g., What environmental, market, or industry trends suggest now is the time for this venture?)4. Adds value to customers (What value do customers extract from this business? Does it solve a

problem or fulfill a need? Does it save them time/money?)

5. Adds value to network partners (e.g., How does it add value to others that you need to help make thefirm workyourresource providers. Be sure to specify who the necessary network partners are.)

4. A reference page that includes research conducted.

Written Paper Format

Use 12-point Times New Roman font

Double space your work

Text should be printed on only one side of the paper

Use headings corresponding to the above outlined sections (e.g., elevator pitch, attractive, durable,

etc.)

Insert page numbers within your paper

Staple your paper and the supporting documents together

Write in complete sentences Be cautious of your writing skills. Your writing skills must be suitable for your report to be

submitted to a lender or investor. Proofread your paper to ensure there are no problems with your writing

skills.

Papers are due at the beginning of the class period. Late papers will NOT be accepted.

Compare your content and format with the instructions. Points can be lost for not following

directions.

Elevator Pitch (30-points)

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This section

should be based

on research, not

solely on

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Below are the components that the verbal pitch should include. Also, be sure to follow guidelines from the lecture

on the art of the elevator pitch.

The pitch should be a short, simple description of your venture idea that your grandmother could

understand by the time you ride up three floors in a typical elevator.

o You have one-minute to complete your pitch. You will be stopped if you exceed one-minute and

points will be lost for any components not covered.

You are NOT allowed to have notes of any kind and the, verbal, pitch must explicitly include thefollowing, much of which is based on research conducted and not on your assumptions:

1. The Hook2. A brief description of the product/service concept3. A brief description of the market (based upon your research and not on your assumptions)

4. A brief description of the competition (based upon your research and not on your assumptions)

5. A description of how the opportunity differs from competitors and/or similar products/services6. A brief description of how the business will make money (e.g., the revenue model)

I will also consider the presentation quality and content as I evaluate the elevator pitches, as follows:

o Presentation: Excellent eye contact; Exhibits evidence of rehearsal (e.g., excellent flow, smooth

throughout pitch); Absence of speech tics (e.g. ummmmm), no nervous laughter/body language; Clear

speaking voice, and no offensive language

o Content: The pitch contains the six components of a pitch listed above; I get it on first pass; it

doesnt require a lot of backstory; It appears to be lucrative; You have identified a competitive advantage

that seems reasonably sustainable; It is reasonable to assume you can execute the idea.

There are some limitations on the types of businesses that can be topics for new venture pitches. Ideas must beethical, moral, and stretch you as a student. It is easy for students to stay within their comfort zone, and gravitate

towards certain ideas. Too frequently that limits the learning value of opportunity exploration. Pitches too closely

conforming to those listed below will receive a 10% grade reduction. If you are not sure is an idea is appropriate,

ask Dr. Sullivan.

o Ethics and morality:

Businesses must fit with the Marianist Values and mission (e.g., no sweatshops, etc.)

Alcohol related ventures: Any ventures requiring a liquor license are unacceptable. Scams: pyramid schemes, work at home, etc. are unacceptable

o Ideas that have been done too many times and are not acceptable this year include:

T-shirt business

Bed & breakfast

Campus video store

Student housing re-hab

Grocery delivery businesses

Campus coupons/books, etc.

On-line retailer of student products

Auto detailing, mobile car service

Pet day care

Lawn service businesses

Snow removal businesses

Convenience stores

Fast Food restaurants

* Note: A final note on the elevator pitches that are undertaken in classyou should not pitch an idea that you

already intend to pursue in the future or one that you would not like to share with anyone at this point. Please

realize that the business ideas pitched in front of the class are fair game and if there is anything proprietary

involved with your venture idea, you should not use it for a topic in this class.

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New Venture Creation: Team Presentation Assignment

Overview

At the beginning of the semester the class will be broken up into four teams of 5-6 people. During the semester, theteam will study the feasibility of a new venture opportunity.

Feasibility analysis is the process of determining whether a business idea is viable. It is a preliminary evaluation of

a business idea, conducted to assess if the idea is worth pursuing. It takes the guesswork out of business launch and

provides a more secure notion that a business idea is viable. Entrepreneurs often underestimate the competition or

overestimate their personal chances for success. Feasibility studies should be conducted after opportunity

recognition and before completing a full business plan.

On September 9,2008 students will conduct one-minute elevator pitches of an entrepreneurial opportunity they

identified. Then, the class will vote on the four most viable opportunities1. Teams will be formed around the

selected opportunities. Over the semester, each team will complete three feasibility analysis studies (product/

service, industry/market/competitive, and organizational2) and present their findings to the class in a 30-minute

presentation. Students will self-select their teams on September 9,2008. In addition, teams are responsible for

completing presentation analyses/tasks over the semester. To help teams manage their time, there are five teamwork

checkpoints that teams must meet over the semester (see last page of syllabus). At each checkpoint, teams are to

have designated tasks completed and Dr. Sullivan will review the teams progress on the checkpoint due date. Teamcheckpoint days will also be in-class feasibility analysis workshop days where teams can work on their projects.

If during the course of the analyses the team determines the idea is not feasible they must make an honest attempt

to make it feasible. Teams who determine their idea is not feasible will be asked to provide evidence that the team

has tried to make it feasible (e.g., turn in additional research, different written descriptions of the initial idea, etc.).

Because the objective of this assignment is learn to assess the feasibility of a potential business opportunity, grades

will not be hurt if the concept is truly not feasible at the end of the semester as long as evidence has been provided.

A Note on Working in Teams

Firms are increasingly being started and run by groups of individuals as opposed to solo individuals. Further,organizations are increasingly using project teams as they are better at executing organizational tasks. One vital

assumption relative to the use of teams in business is that all members perform well and execute tasks appropriatelyand timely. Members who do not work up to the teams/firms standards are often fired or reassigned to other

duties. To align the team project to the real-life business world, the following policies will apply to teamwork.

If a team members lack of contribution is hurting the teams progress that member may be fired by a unanimous

vote of the team members. The fired member will then complete all remaining team assignments on his/her own.

The presentation will be replaced by individual written analyses. The assignments are due the same day as

presentation. A total of 20 points will be deducted for every 24 hour period these assignments are late.

Alternatively, if an individual determines that he/she is unable to work in their team, they may either: 1) Try to find

another team to join. The new team must unanimously vote the individual on to the team. 2) The member may

complete all remaining team assignments on his/her own via written analyses. These analyses are due the same date

as the presentation. A total of 20 points will be deducted for every 24-hour period assignments are late. Individuals

who leave teams will receive grades earned on their teams assignment during the time they were a part of the group.Any team member changes throughout the semester must be reported to Dr. Sullivan.

Peer Evaluations (20-pts): Students must complete an evaluation each team members contribution, due to Dr.Sullivan via email on the day the team presents. The evaluations are worth 20-points of individual team assignment

grades. The peer evaluation form is located on my website (www.academic.udayton.edu/DianeSullivan).

1 Should the class be unable to come to a consensus on the opportunities to be studied, Dr. Sullivan will act as thefinal say in the opportunities that will become the topics for the team projects.2 Note that the financial feasibility analysis topic is covered in the MGT 321, Financing Entrepreneurial Ventures

course, and is thus not a part of this course.

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Assignment Name: Team PresentationAssignment Type: Team Assignment

Points: 150-points (130-pts for presentation, 20-pts for peer evaluation)Due Date: Teams #1 and #2 Present on Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Teams #3 and #4 Present on Thursday, December 4, 2008

NOTE: The following is basic presentation information. For details as to what tasks are to be completedfor the assignment, see the online presentation handout (www.academic.udayton.edu/DianeSullivan).

General Team Presentation Information:

In class we will discuss feasibility analyses entrepreneurs should conduct to determine if the business is viable.

Each team will conduct three feasibility analyses on their business opportunity. As we study each feasibility

component in class teams should work on that component of their presentation.

At the end of the semester, teams will present the three feasibility analyses conducted on their

opportunity and synthesize this information to come up with a final feasibility conclusion for the venture. As

of the conclusion of the presentation, the team should conclude if the business is feasible.

If it is not feasible, discuss analyses leading to this conclusion and actions taken to try to make it

feasible. Below is a brief description of the three feasibility analyses that will be completed.

Failure to discuss all topics listed below will results in a reduction in grade.

Follow the instructions provided and if you have any questions, contact the professor.

Team Presentation Format:

The entire presentation must be completed within 25 to 30 minutes. Teams will be stopped at 30 minutes.

PowerPoint slides are due to Dr. Sullivan before the presentation, printed 3-per page, on one-side of the paper.

All team members must speak during the presentation.

Late presentations and/or documents will not be accepted and a zero will be given

for the assignment.

Feasibility Study #1 Name: Product/Service Feasibility Analysis Study

Purpose

Provide an assessment of 1) the technical feasibility of creating/delivering the offering and 2) the overall consumer

appeal of the product/service being proposed. Refine the product/service relative to feedback received.

1. Conduct a concept statement evaluation

Write a concept statement for the teams business.

Use the concept statement and the primary research skills learned in class (e.g., method

and format), to collect initial feedback about the concept from 2 industry experts and 3 individuals in the

target market.

Conduct either surveys orinterviews with the industry experts and target

market participants

Write a (survey) cover letter or (interview) cover story for the industry experts

and the target market

Write a survey/interview questions for the industry experts and target market

participants

Collect the data and modify the business according to the feedback2. Conduct a concept test

Develop an illustration of your business concept

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Use the illustration and the primary research skills learned in class (e.g., method and

format), to collect feedback about the concept and the target market profile from at least 30 people in the

target market.

Conduct surveys with the target market participants

Write a cover letter for target market participants

Write a survey for the target market

Collect data from at least 30 people and make final business modifications

according to the feedback

3. Solidify the profile of your target market (e.g., demographics, psychographics, etc.)

Using data obtained from the concept test survey, determine the profile of the market your

firm will target

4. Assess the potential for intellectual property (IP) protection

Determine if you would pursue any IP and see if others have already protected similar IP

(www.uspto.gov).

Feasibility Study #2 Name: Industry/Market and Competitive Environment Feasibility Analysis

Purpose

Assess the overall appeal of the industry, market, and competition relative to the proposed business/product/service.

1. Determine the industry the venture will compete

within as well as its main characteristics

2. Assess the attractiveness and structure of the industrywithin which the firm will compete:

Assess the industrys attractiveness by conducting a Porters Five Forces analysis

Determine the structure of the industry within which the firm will compete and if you can

capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities present within that type of industry3. Conduct a competitive analysis

Identify the main direct and indirect competitors and their main characteristics

Use a competitive analysis grid to assess any favorable firm attributes or detriments relative to

competitors

Feasibility Study #3 Name: Organizational Feasibility Analysis

Purpose

Determine how the firm will be organized and if the firm has sufficient human resources/expertise and other

resources necessary for success.

1. Develop a practical business model for the firm using Porters Value Chain model.

2. Assess the sufficiency of the expertise of the venture management team (e.g., the people in your group)

3. Determine additional human resources that need to be hired to make the venture concept work.4. Conduct a VRIO analysis

Evaluate tangible and intangible resources to determine the firms competitive and economic

implications.

Documents to be turned in on the day the team presents

General:

Cover sheet

PowerPoint slides out 3-slides per pageonly print on one side of the page.

Product/Service Feasibility Analysis documents include the following in the appendices

Concept Statement Deliverables

The concept statement

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Concept statement target market deliverables

Concept statement cover letter/story (target market)

Concept statement survey/interview (target market)

Concept statement tabulated results (target market)

Concept Statement industry expert deliverables

Concept statement cover letter/story (industry expert) Concept statement survey/interview (industry expert)

Concept statement tabulated results (industry expert)

Concept Test Deliverables

The concept test illustration

Concept test target market deliverables

Concept test cover letter (target market)

Concept test survey (target market)

Concept test tabulated results (target market)

Organizational Feasibility Analysis documents to include the following in the appendices:

Include each team members resume.

Other documents:

Be sure to include a bibliography of the sources that you used for research purposes.

Assignment Name: Team Assignment CheckpointsAssignment Type: Team AssignmentsPoints: 50-points Total (10-points per Checkpoint)Due Date: Ongoing throughout the semester, see due dates below and in the itinerary

To help teams manage their time and workload relative to the team presentation assignment, throughout the semesterthere will be five team presentation assignment checkpoints. At each checkpoint, in class, I will briefly visit each

team to review the tasks completed by the team. If assignment components are not completed on the day of the

designated checkpoint per the schedule below, teams will lose points. Each checkpoint is worth 10-points. The

presentation assignment tasks are to be completed by the respective checkpoint dates relative to the following:

Checkpoint Due Date Tasks to be Completed

Checkpoint #1

(10-points)

All Teams:

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

1. Concept Statement Written

2. Concept Statement Cover Letter Written

3. Concept Statement Survey Written

Checkpoint #2

(10-points)

Teams #1 and #2:

Thursday, October 16, 2008

1. Concept Statement Data Collected and Results

Tabulated

2. Concept Test Illustration Developed

3. Concept Test Cover Letter Written4. Concept Test Survey Written

5. Intellectual Property Determination and uspto.gov

Database Search Completed

Checkpoint #2

(10-points)

Teams #3 and #4:

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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Checkpoint #3

(10-points)

All Teams:

Thursday, October 30, 2008

1. Concept Test Data Collected and Results Tabulated

2. Target Market Profile Solidified by Primary and

Secondary Research

3. General Industry Information Compiled

4. Porters Five Forces Analysis Completed

Checkpoint #4

(10-points)

Teams #3 and #4

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

1. Competitive Analysis Grid and Competitive andEvaluation Completed

2. Industry Structure Analysis Completed

3. Porters Value Chain Development Completed

4. Tangible and Intangible Resources Identified

5. VRIO Analysis Completed

Checkpoint #4

(10-points)

Teams #1 and #2

Thursday, November 12, 2008

Checkpoint #5

(10-points)

All Teams:

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

1. Team Member Resumes Compiled

2. Founding Team Expertise Evaluation Completed3. Future Human Resource Needs Evaluated

4. Rough Draft of PowerPoint Slides Developed

5. Appendix Documents Assembled (see page 13 ofsyllabus for list of appendices)

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